Coleman rival has basic problem with tax hike

The Republican who challenged Mayor Michael B. Coleman in 2007 is taking him on again -- this time over Columbus' proposed tax increase.

The Republican who challenged Mayor Michael B. Coleman in 2007 is taking him on again -- this time over Columbus' proposed tax increase.

"They keep calling it 'just a half-penny,' " Bill Todd said of the Aug. 4 ballot issue to raise the city's income-tax from 2 percent to 2.5 percent. "It's not a half-penny. It's hundreds of dollars for the average family. It's real money."

Todd will launch a campaign this week to defeat the income-tax proposal, which will be decided by Columbus voters but would apply to all who work in the city.

Basics First, as the anti-tax group is calling itself, wants the city to focus on basic services such as police and fire protection, scale back spending on public-works projects and find more ways to save money.

"Any time the government has tax increases, there should be this type of discussion," Todd said. He criticized as scare tactics the warning last week that Columbus police might lay off nearly 300 officers next year if the tax is rejected.

Supporters of the increase, though, said they're trying to talk straight with Columbus voters about the budget choices that lie ahead without new revenue. They say many of the tax alternatives from opponents are too vague, already are in place or would result in far less savings than the city needs.

"No question what we're laying out is scary, but we have no choice," said Finance Director Joel S. Taylor.

The city faces a 2010 budget gap of at least $105 million, Taylor said. The higher tax rate would bring in between $90 million and $100 million more annually, according to City Auditor Hugh J. Dorrian.

For taxpayers, the 2.5 percent rate would cost people who work in Columbus $250 for every $10,000 they earn. That's an additional $50 for every $10,000 in income.

Todd called the plan part of a potential "triple tax increase" for city residents.

In addition to the potential income-tax hike, the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio has offered to take over Columbus trash pickup and pay for it with a new property-tax levy. Representatives of the Columbus Blue Jackets have asked Franklin County commissioners to consider a tax on beer, wine and cigarettes in order to buy Nationwide Arena.

"There's a lot of unhappiness among the average voter," Todd said. He said each of the three options would disproportionately hit those who earn less.

As a mayoral candidate two years ago, he forecast similar discontent but won just 30 percent of the vote against Coleman, a Democrat.

Todd won't be able to vote for his cause this year, though. He now lives in Bexley, although he pays Columbus income taxes because he works for a law firm Downtown.